Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown has been charged with 83 additional offences, bringing the total number of charges against him to 156, involving 12 alleged child victims.
The 27-year-old was initially charged with more than 70 offences relating to the alleged abuse of eight children at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook in May.
Victoria Police confirmed that the new charges relate to four additional alleged victims who attended Nino Early Learning Adventures in Point Cook on March 26, 2019; Only About Children in Williamstown on December 1, 2020, and February 22, 2021; and Aussie Kindies Early Learning Centre in Keilor between February 3 and 11, 2025. Families of the new alleged victims have been notified and are receiving support services.
The additional charges include:
- 23 counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material
- 8 counts of producing child abuse material for use via carriage service
- 8 counts of sexual assault of a child under 16
- 6 counts of penetration of a child under 12
- 12 counts of bestiality (unrelated to childcare offences)
- Other charges include reckless conduct, common law assault, and possession of drugs
Brown worked at 23 known childcare centres in Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025. The initial charges triggered a large-scale health response, with thousands of children tested for sexually transmitted infections. Health authorities have confirmed no additional testing is needed, as no new childcare centres have been identified.
Brown was arrested in May 2025, and his next court hearing has been pushed back to February 10, 2026, to allow detectives more time to gather evidence. Victoria Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. The case has prompted state and national reforms in childcare safety and industry standards.
Support services for victims and families are available via 1800RESPECT and Kids Helpline.
